Make a Smart Investment With Green Roof Construction

Since 2021, when the City of Toronto was a pioneer in green roofing policy, Toronto has been an active leader in green building policy nationally. Toronto is also the first City in North America to take a bylaw into force to mandate and regulate the construction of environmentally sustainable roofs on all new development going through the City. Now, other municipalities are beginning to emulate the careful planning and regulation adopted by the City of Toronto as this pioneering policy. As a result, we know that Toronto’s sustainable buildings policy has encouraged developers to use state-of-the-art materials, to reduce waste and to be more responsible when it comes to the materials they choose to build their developments.

A recent article in the Globe and Mail (section 1. Toronto’s Future Sustainability) written by Associate Vice Chairman of the Toronto Urban Design Council Michael Reis stated that there has been an exponential growth in the number of high-rises in Toronto over the past decade. The author goes on to say that because of this, and the fact that Toronto has one of the most expensive housing markets in the developed world, growing towers must be planned “responsibly” to not only meet current demands, but also to create a “livable” future for current residents. In reference to the high-rise issue, the author contends that an urban heat island effect could potentially be at play if developers do not plan for this possibility when designing their new projects.

The heat island effect refers to the phenomenon where, due to the size and shape of a building, much of the internal air escapes through the roof and enters the lower levels of a building. Because of this phenomenon, it was found that the cooling demand on roofs is significantly greater during the summer months than during the winter. With an increasing demand for green roofs in Toronto, we can expect to see many new developments incorporate such a technology into their design. This would allow for cooling at both the commercial and residential levels of a project. Although there are already some cool roofing materials used to decrease the cooling demand during the cold months, the introduction of an additional layer can only help to further reduce energy costs.

One example of this new technology comes in the form of solar roofing tiles. These revolutionary tiles come in many different sizes and shapes. Some have “cool roofs,” which are simply made of a series of small solar cells. These solar cells soak up energy from the sun and change it into electricity, allowing for a variety of uses. Other types of eco-roof incentive program green roofs feature solar cell arrays as well as other types of renewable energy sources.

Another way that Toronto residents can help to reduce their monthly electric bill expense is by installing energy efficient appliances. Many Toronto building owners choose to install “green roofs,” which consist of a special roof surface that is designed to collect rainwater runoff. As water flows down the surface, it collects dirt, garbage, and other debris, which reduce the amount of rainwater that ends up in the city’s water supply. The runoff then re-circulates back into the stormwater run-off. While this process reduces the amount of rainwater that ends up in the stormwater, it also reduces the amount of hydrocarbons that end up in the air, ultimately reducing the amount of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere.

As you can see, green roofs not only benefit the environment, but the residents of Toronto too. In addition to the various benefits provided by these types of eco-friendly roofs, there is another important reason why building owners should consider such an incentive program. That is, green roofs can also help to create a safer environment for those who live in the property. A safe and healthy environment will decrease the number of sick days needed by employees. This is an important issue in a city that already has one of the highest incidences of workers coming in contact with workplace disease.

Now that you understand the benefits provided by a green roof incentive program, it is time to think about how you can get your hands on one of these projects. The best way to go about finding qualified installers is to enlist the help of an environmental planner. An environmental planner will know of companies that specialize in the installation of eco-friendly roofs. One way to ensure that you find a qualified and reputable installer is to ask him for references. If you cannot locate any references on your own, then ask your potential contractor to provide them. An environmental planner will also be able to give you the exact square meters that should be used to calculate the cost of any eco-roof incentive program.

If you are concerned about the growing shortage of non-renewable resources, you should look to Toronto as your future home city. Toronto is one of the most sustainable cities in the world. With its abundance of water, wind and sunlight, there is no doubt that the city will be able to meet the growing need for green roofs. Look for a qualified professional to ensure that your home does not violate any new federal or provincial laws. When it comes to green roofs, Toronto residents can feel confident that they are making a smart investment in their future.